Rio Hondo’s Lady Roadrunner volleyball team held its 2017 Breast Cancer Awareness Game against the Chaffey Panthers on Wednesday, October 11. The Rio Ladies came out playing with fire and passion and were able to defeat the Panthers in straight sets.

Prior to the game, sophomore outside hitter Bree Newton gave the crowd a brief message regarding breast cancer awareness. There are new methods  and a new standard for screening to check if there are some problems.

“Tonight’s game is to support the fighters, admire the survivors, and honor the take,” Newton told the crowd before recognizing her mother Susan Lewis Newton, who has been battling cancer since 2005.

Newton clearly played with a bit more tenacity in Wednesday’s match, and it might have been the spark the team needed.

The first set between the Rio Ladies and Chaffey was close for the most part. Rio got off to a quick start, but neither team was able to distance themselves from the other.

Rio led 17-15 before they went on a 8-3 streak, giving them the first set with a score 25-18.

In sets two and three, the Lady Roadrunners seemed to easily outmatch the Chaffey Panthers. Rio quickly won the second set 25-18 and the third set 25-13, sweeping Chaffey 3-0.

After the game, Bree Newton spoke to El Paisano a bit more about her mother, Susan.

“She battled in 2005, within two years she was cancer free,” Bree said. “It came back my senior year of high school, two years ago. Exactly two years this month, she’s been battling again ever since. It’s metastasize cancer, it’s stage four.”

Bree was asked if her mother, Susan, gave her some extra motivation in the Breast Cancer Awareness Game. A smile had spread across her face as she gave her response.

“Yes, definitely. Just knowing my mom is here the whole time cheering me on and having my family here… it was great.”

Freshman middle blocker Andrea Sanchez also gave her thoughts about the Breast Cancer Awareness Game.

“Knowing thousands suffer from the disease, including men, I became more appreciative of my health, Sanchez stated. “These patients endure large amounts of pain. Becoming aware of what these patients go through, it has motivated me to play my very best. I always remind myself that God has given me a healthy life. I appreciate being able to walk, see, and breathe on my own. Others don’t have these privileges and I learned to be grateful.”